Ex-Arsenal star: ‘Bobo a bridge to Brazil for A-League'

Brazilian World Cup winner and Arsenal "Invincible" Gilberto Silva is in no doubt that the success of Sydney FC's Brazilian marquee striker Bobo can help bring a few more of his countrymen to the Hyundai A-League.

SILVA ON BOBO

Silva, in Sydney to help promote June’s FIFA Confederations Cup which will feature the Caltex Socceroos, remembers watching Bobo in Brazil around a year ago.

“The last time I saw him play he was at Gremio. And he had a very good game.

“He’s the type of number nine that works hard upfront and give a lot of trouble for the defenders. But also the quality and a good passer. He’s a smart player.

“I’m sure he’ll continue to help them a lot because he’s a proper nine. A penalty box player.”

“It’s nice to see him arrive in Sydney and know that he’s here and doing well for Sydney FC,” the former Arsenal favourite told www.a-league.com.au on Friday.

BOBO'S BRILLIANT SEASON

Marquee signing Bobo, 32, has had a strong second half to the season, recently finishing off one of the goals of the season against Phoenix to help take his current goals tally to 11.

He also stroked home the winner in the recent Big Blue to all but hand the Premiership trophy to the Sky Blues.

The former Besiktas striker is the team’s leading scorer so far this season with 11, two ahead of Alex Brosque on nine.

BOBO MARKETING A-LEAGUE TO BRAZIL

“I’m sure as he’s doing well it opens the door for other players to come. I’m sure if they have an opportunity or offer from Australian teams, they will ask him for information.

“He can be the bridge for the other players to come.

"I’m sure if here if they have some more Brazilian players to enjoy I’m sure the league is very interesting to play [for Brazilians] but not easy," added Silva.

SILVA ON SOCCEROOS

Silva described Australia’s football mentality as “hard” after facing them at the FIFA World Cup in 2006.

And he added Australian players would provide a different quality to the Brazilian leagues if they decided to try their luck and play in what many describe as the home of football.

Silva showed off the Confederations Cup trophy in a rainy Sydney on Friday.

The Brazilian great heads to New Zealand this weekend to continue promoting June's event.